Therapy and Counseling in Harrisburg, PA—Anxiety and Depression Disorders
In her battle against depression, Justine has moved in with her sister Claire and her family. Claire wants to help Justine recover, and in an attempt to cheer her up, Claire prepares Justine’s favorite food for dinner. As the family gathers around the table, the delightful smell of meatloaf fills the air. When everyone picks up their forks and takes a bite, Justine chokes and spits her bite out. “It takes like ashes,” she says and then returns to her room for the evening. Justine was not being rude or unkind. No, she was being honest about what it is like to experience depression. The mental illness often turns people’s world upside down: that which was once delicious may now taste like ashes. Justine is not a real person—she is a character in the movie Melancholia—but her journey is all too real. Many people who struggle with anxiety and depression resonate with Justine’s character and understand how devastating these mental illnesses can be.
“Anxiety’s like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do,
but it doesn’t get you very far.”
– Jodi Picoult, Sing You Home
Depression and anxiety are far more than the normal ups and downs that everyone experiences in life. Everyone gets the blues or jitters, and these do not impair daily functioning. On the other hand, depression and anxiety are serious mental illness that have long-lasting and harsh symptoms. They often take away people’s ability to carry on with their normal professional or personal lives. And yet, many people are fighting their symptoms of anxiety and depression, and they are receiving the treatment they need from counselors and therapists.
The mental health professionals at Thriveworks Harrisburg are taking clients who struggle with anxiety and depression. Our staff sees each person as the individual they are—not as their symptoms or their illness. We have walked with many people as they work toward recovery and healing.
The Most Common Mental Illnesses: Anxiety and Depression
As many as 1 in 4 adults will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, and as many as 1 in 6 will experience depression. In the United States, these are the most commonly diagnoses mental illnesses. While they are separate diagnoses, they often co-occur—about half of people who have anxiety will also have depression at some point in their lives.
Despite being wide spread mental illnesses, misunderstandings and myths about anxiety and depression persist. The best way to fight these myths and misunderstandings is with accurate information about these serious diagnoses. The seriousness and longevity of anxiety and depression’s symptoms distinguish these from the normal ups and downs of life. These symptoms may include…
- Disinterest and apathy toward life. Hobbies that were once enjoyable are no longer exciting. Activities that were once fun are now boring.
- Negative feelings often plague people who have anxiety and depression. Sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness may feel inescapable.
- Emotional and psychological pain may felt physically. This is called psychosomatic pain.
- Thoughts about death, suicide idealization, or even suicide attempts are serious symptoms of anxiety and depression.
When these symptoms are experienced for the major of one’s days and for a period of two weeks, it may be time to reach out for help from a mental health professional. Anxiety and depression can last for weeks, months, and possibly even years. Early intervention is often helpful in effective long-term treatment, and many treatment options are available. Skilled therapists and counselors can help their clients find the treatments that fit their unique symptoms. Therapy is not a silver bullet or magic formula, but it is often worth the effort. Anxiety and depression can take a severe toll on people’s emotional and physical health.
Emotion and Physical Effects
When someone’s mind is ill, often the effects are felt both physically and emotionally. Anxiety and depression, therefore, often affect more than people’s emotional and psychological state. Often, their effects are far-reaching and may include…
- Sleep Disruptions – Many people experience insomnia or hypersomnia. Some may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Others may want to sleep all the time. Anxiety and depression often disrupt healthy sleep patterns.
- Fatigue – Whether people experience sleep disruptions or not, they often experience lethargy. Fighting negative emotions is a draining battle, leaving people depleted of energy.
- Difficulty Focusing – Negative thoughts can also distract people from their daily tasks. Simply checking things off the to-do list often becomes a challenge.
- Disrupted Eating Habits – As with sleeping patterns, some people want to eat all the time. Others can barely stand the taste of food. When eating habits are disrupted, people’s bodies respond and often lose or gain weight accordingly.
- Indecisiveness – Depression and anxiety can make life feel chaotic and overwhelming. Making everyday decisions becomes overwhelming as well, and people often become stuck in indecisiveness.
Setting up Counseling for Depression and Anxiety at Thriveworks Harrisburg, PA
Are you experiencing the symptoms and effects of anxiety or depression? If you are ready to meet with a mental health professional, know that Thriveworks Harrisburg offers therapy for anxiety and depression. When you contact our office, you may have your first appointment the following day. We offer evening and weekend sessions because not everyone can make an appointment during regular business hours. We also accept most forms of insurance.
Battling anxiety and depression can be exhausting. Don’t fight them alone. Call Thriveworks Harrisburg today.
